TVSS is an older term in the electrical surge suppression industry, which is still used by some but is more frequently referred to today as SPD, or “Surge Protective Device.” The term TVSS stands for “transient voltage surge suppressor” and was officially replaced by Underwriter’s Laboratories in the recent past. TVSS devices, which will be referred to as SPDs for the remainder of this article, are interrupters which act as a cutoff of electrical spikes and temporary surges on AC power lines. SPD installation is not only suggested but is crucial for sensitive equipment which would sustain damage if such a surge was to happen on a connected AC power line. SPDs make up the most popular and most widely used of all surge suppression equipment today.

One of the common misconceptions about SPDs is that they function to conserve energy, this misconception probably is arising from the fact that some devices have been marketed as green technology in recent years. SPDs do not have energy conservation functionality, and are only used in the capacity of cutting power to a piece of equipment if the power level was to surge beyond a set point, thus protecting the equipment. The SPD does not function in a way that would assist in reduction of power consumption or increased power capacities, and instead is merely a shutoff which interrupts the power supply if necessary.

The function of an SPD is as a guard against transients arising in the power system. This phenomenon is better known to the general public as a power surge, and usually the general population will only become aware of their existence after significant damage or loss occurrs. The most damaging types of power transients are caused by lightning strikes, due to the fact that they can cause significantly larger spikes in electrical current than typical fluctuations. A transient produced by a lightning strike (also known as an impulsive transient) can grow to an excess of 50,000V, and is generally able to surge to a point so great that even the installation of protection will not be enough to prevent damage to equipment. This is where the Raycap Strikesorb line of SPD technology becomes so valuable in preventing losses due to equipment failure or destruction. The Strikesorb technology is far more robust than other competing traditional surge protection products. The majority of SPD products (Silicon Avalanche Diode, Single MOVs, Gas Discharge Tubes), are designed to be destroyed with the surge (sacrifice themselves), preventing the majority of harmful current to the machinery, and need to be replaced after achieving their purpose. Strikesorb technology is designed to withstand multiple surges and continue functioning as before. When it is installed at the main service entrance it provides the best electrical protection from lightning available.

Other types of surge-related damages can occur when transients are produced by electrical switching errors or other forms of brief, small spikes. Power levels going briefly past the safe levels causes the ongoing degradation of microprocessors, shortening the lifespan of the equipment in use. It is important to extend equipment life as long as possible through protective measures in order to avoid the replacement costs associated, and to prevent downtime and data losses that can accompany electrical failures. The installation of Raycap’s Strikesorb technology, in combination with other Raycap protective devices, will create the suggested protection redundancy that can keep your business operational, within budget and functioning even during the times when natural occurrences like lightning strikes threaten the bottom line. Contact a Raycap representative today to inquire about the installation of our products within your facility or site.